Feyenoord fell to a 1-0 defeat against Real Betis in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday after Isco scored a second-half penalty at the Estadio de La Cartuja. The result extends Feyenoord’s losing streak in European away matches to eight consecutive games.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst kept his starting lineup unchanged from the side that defeated Como in De Kuip the previous week, according to Nltimes. Real Betis included two former Eredivisie players in their starting XI: Troy Parrott, who arrived from AZ Alkmaar during the summer, and former Ajax winger Antony.
Van Bronckhorst Criticizes Pitch Before Missed Chances
Van Bronckhorst criticized the pitch at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville prior to kickoff. He described the surface as a clumpy field
and stated it fell short of Champions League standards, noting that the condition hindered passing for both teams throughout the match.
An early defensive miscue from centre-back Mika Marmol gave Real Betis their clearest scoring opportunity of the first half, though Tjark Ernst stopped Parrott from converting. Feyenoord responded with their own major chance shortly before halftime. Captain Luciano Valente delivered a through ball to Javi Lopez, who crossed across the six-yard box for Gijval Zechiel. The midfielder struck the ball too hard, sending his shot over an open goal.
Isco Converts Penalty to Settle Defensive Battle
Referee Simone Sozza pointed to the penalty spot in the 59th minute when Moroccan international Abde Ezzalzouli struck a shot that hit the arm of Jeremiah St. Juste, and five-time Champions League winner Isco converted the kick.
Real Betis reached nine points from their opening three Champions League fixtures with the victory, placing the Spanish club fifth in the 36-team league phase at the conclusion of Wednesday’s matches. Feyenoord sit 26th in the standings following their opening loss to FC Barcelona and this defeat in Seville.
